Mayor Duggan Announces New Brush Park Project

Old meets new as Mayor Mike Duggan announces the plan to rehabilitate Detroit’s historic Brush Park neighborhood. The upcoming project will involve renovating four historical homes in the area, as well as building out new residential units, public space, and retail.

The Brush Park neighborhood has been getting a lot of press lately in regards to development. This announcement comes just under a month after it was revealed that the area’s Brewster Wheeler Rec Center was to be converted into housing and retail and about a month and a half after HGTV’s Nicole Curtis announced the historical Ransom Gillis House as her next “Rehab Addict” project.

In addition to the Ransom Gillis House, this undertaking will give three other iconic Brush Park homes new life. The Campbell House, the Mansard Twin I, and the Chandler House or Mansard Twin II will also be restored to their former glory.

Mayor Duggan had this to say:

“Each of these homes has its own incredible story and plays an important role in our city’s history… As we rebuild our city, we are going to continue to preserve as much of our history as possible.”

The Brush Park development won’t only revitalize a section of the city that has largely been sitting vacant for years, it will also bring in many jobs for Detroit residents. At least 51% of the construction jobs generated will go to Detroit residents and 31% of the construction costs will be allocated for Detroit-based contractors. 20% of the new residential buildings will be designated as affordable housing units.

“… We’re confident that our proposal will be a catalyst for revitalizing Brush Park and connection it to Midtown and Downtown,” Steve Rosenthal of Brush Park Development Partners, LLC said, “and most importantly, providing jobs and a wide range of new residential and retail options for thousands of Detroiters.”

The restoration and renovation of the four historic Brush Park homes will begin this summer. The entire project is expected to be completed in 2017.

Annemarie grew up in the Detroit area and has loved every moment of it. On a good day, she can be found hiking the trails of one of Michigan's beautiful State Parks. On a great night, you can find her rocking the mic in front of the karaoke machine.